President Packer Discusses Importance of the Seventy

“When we tried to figure out [how to manage the Church] as it grew in numbers and then as it grew in distance, it was obvious that the Twelve could not do what the Twelve did [earlier on] by way of visiting the stakes.” —President Boyd K. Packer

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In a three-part interview conducted by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy with President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President Packer said that the Seventy play a crucial role in extending the power and authority of prophets and apostles throughout the world. That role, he said, is important for all members of the Church to understand.

“When we tried to figure out [how to manage the Church] as it grew in numbers and then as it grew in distance, it was obvious that the Twelve could not do what the Twelve did [earlier on] by way of visiting the stakes,” President Packer said.

President Packer said that questions about the role of the Seventy have been raised throughout the years, but the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has always found answers by studying the scriptures and praying for inspiration.

The Twelve and the Seventy, Part Two: Working as One
Discusses the training of the Seventy and how the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy work together in wisdom and order to administer, and minister to, the Church of Jesus Christ.